ESCANABA — Funnel clouds are possible this afternoon, according to a special weather statement issued by the National Weather Service Marquette.

According to the statement, released shortly after 3 p.m., an upper level disturbance will produce weather conditions that are favorable for funnel clouds. These relatively weak funnels typically form under a small shower or thunderstorm and rarely touch the ground. The funnels normall extend a few hundred feed downward from the base of the cloud and last a few minutes before dissipating.

Occasionally, these funnels can briefly touch the ground as a tornado. However, these tornadoes are usually quite weak and much less violent than tornadoes that form with severe thunderstorms.

Areas that may experience funnel cloud activity include Baraga, Marquette, Alger, Iron, Dickinson, Menominee, Delta, and Schoolcraft counties. The communties of Escanaba, Gladstone, Manistique, Menominee, Seney, L’Anse, Gwinn, Marquette, Grand Marais, Munising, Iron River, and Iron Mountain are included in the special weather statement area.

The National Weather Service advises anyone who sees a funnel cloud approaching their location to seek shelter immediately.